The Council of Agriculture has been accepting registration for the competition for 2006 Top 10 Outstanding Farmers since November 1, 2006. It is expected that farmers having outstanding achievements in agriculture, forestry, fishery and husbandry industries to have a go to get the crown and be a part of the government’s Taiwan New Agricultural Movement. The top 10 excellent farmers will win a cash prize of NT$200,000 dollars and be cited for great honor in a public occasion.

Mr. Su Jia-chyuan, minister of the Council of Agriculture, pointed out that this award is an exclusive honor belonging to those who excel in agriculture, fishery, forestry and husbandry. This award, add new elements to the original Sheng-nong Award, which had been organized for the first time since 1983. And this new award also based on three ideas from the newly Taiwan New Agricultural Movement. They are “Innovation,” “Continuity” and “Adjustment.”

Two points can be distinguished between Top 10 Outstanding Farmers and Sheng-nong Award. First, the participants can come from forestry, fishery and husbandry industries, beside crop industry only in the past. COA sincerely hope that all the excellent in four industries can recommend themselves for this award. The 10 outstanding farmers will be awarded, NT$200,000 each. Gender is not an issue for those to be honored with this precious award. Rather, we seek to award those who have produced great results.

Council of Agriculture said that any outstanding farmer in the crop, forestry, fishery and husbandry industries can contact with a local township office or a fisher or farmer’s association for information and application. Those who are interest in this application shall prepare all the required information and submit the application before November 30, 2006. The rules of competition procedure are described herein.

First, the township level official will screen and recommend those selected to county/city-level governments. Second, the county/city-level governments will select the candidates for Top 10 Outstanding Farmers and send the list to COA’s local agricultural research and extension stations for farther appraisal. Finally, the Council of Agriculture will set up a review committee comprised of experts and/or scholars in four industries to select the most outstanding 10 participants.

Mr. Su Jia-chyuan, minister of the Council of Agriculture, said that the COA reserves 10 thrones for outstanding farmers to sit upon. The Council invited those having great achievements in agriculture, forestry, fishery and husbandry industries to accept this honor. The principal slogan for this activity is “Excellent Farmers! Come to Take a Throne.” As the name suggests, please accept this award if you are really outstanding in your working area.